Residual solvents testing
Residual solvents by headspace GC-MS, each quantified against the USP <467> limit for that specific compound. A single pass or fail hides the fact that benzene and ethanol are limited three orders of magnitude apart.
- Pricing
- Quote on request
- Turnaround
- 5–7 business days
- Family
- Analyte panel
Contact us to confirm the sample matrix, analytical scope and price before shipping.
- Agilent 8890 GC with 5977 MSD
Purchased new through authorised channels, performance-qualified by certified engineers, and the instrument ID prints on every certificate. View the bench.
What the panel measures
| Test | Method | Instrument | Reports as |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 solvents | MethodHeadspace GC-MS, USP <467> | InstrumentAgilent 8890 GC with 5977 MSD | Reports asppm: benzene, 1,2-dichloroethane and others |
| Butane and propane | MethodHeadspace GC-MS | InstrumentAgilent 8890 GC with 5977 MSD | Reports asppm, common in hydrocarbon extraction |
| Hexane and heptane | MethodHeadspace GC-MS | InstrumentAgilent 8890 GC with 5977 MSD | Reports asppm against the applicable limit for each solvent |
| Ethanol and isopropanol | MethodHeadspace GC-MS | InstrumentAgilent 8890 GC with 5977 MSD | Reports asppm, class 3 |
| Acetone and methanol | MethodHeadspace GC-MS | InstrumentAgilent 8890 GC with 5977 MSD | Reports asppm against the applicable limit for each solvent |
| Toluene and xylenes | MethodHeadspace GC-MS | InstrumentAgilent 8890 GC with 5977 MSD | Reports asppm against the applicable limit for each solvent |
| Per-analyte verdict | MethodAgainst USP <467> or your specification | InstrumentDerived from the assay | Reports asPass or fail printed per analyte |
Sample requirements and shipping
| Item | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Concentrate or extract | Requirement1 g in a sealed container, minimal headspace |
| Distillate or oil | Requirement1 g sealed |
| Capsule or softgel | Requirement20 units |
| Condition | RequirementSealed and full. Solvents are volatile, and a half-empty container that sat warm reads low. |
Confirm the scope and quote before shipping. Shipping instructions follow the agreed testing order. We accept no walk-in drop-off, and we hold no DEA registration, so no Schedule I to V material.
Why the method matters
Headspace sampling is what makes the method work: the sample is heated in a sealed vial and the vapour is injected, so the analyte reaches the column without the matrix. Direct injection of an extract fouls the instrument and buries the light solvents.
Reporting each solvent against its own limit is not a formality. Benzene is limited at 2 ppm and ethanol at 5,000; a combined figure is meaningless for making a release decision.
What comes back
A public certificate
Every result, the method, the instrument ID, the LOD and LOQ and the signature, verifiable by accession number with no login.
The filmed route
Your package opened on camera, a photograph of each container, and the footage retained for three years. Released to you on request.
A retained sample
Held 90 days, so any result can be rechecked by us or by an accredited laboratory of your choosing.
Questions about residual solvents testing
Is the sample destroyed?
Yes, the aliquot is consumed. Send a unit you can spare and enough for us to retain material for 90 days.
Do I need this on solventless products?
No process solvent is used, but shared equipment carries residues and most buyers require the test regardless. It is inexpensive relative to the risk.
What about ethanol in a tincture?
Expected and usually fine. Class 3 solvents including ethanol have high limits; we report the number so you can confirm it against your own specification.
Which limit set do you use?
USP <467> by default. Tell us if a state cannabis limit or a customer specification applies and we report against that, naming it on the certificate.
Confirm testing scope
Order in the builder, pay, and a prepaid label is emailed to you. The certificate publishes to the database the moment it is signed.